10 Things I Have Learned While Having a Concussion

Having a concussion has given me a lot of time to think, though I have been told I should limit my thinking to allow my brain to heal. And I just found out last night I have even more time to think because I failed my recheck. So what exactly have I learned? Well her we go:

I have amazing family and friends! I already knew this but it was confirmed over and over again with all of the calls, texts, and gifts I received.

My brother has the ability to always make me smile. After finding out about my accident, I received a text letting me know he will start shopping for a helmet for me to wear…

I am extremely strong willed. Stubborn is probably a better word but I like strong willed (thank you Lara of Uptite Mamas for mentioning it). When my accident happened, I didn’t was to inconvenience anyone so I went to the hospital on my own. I did have a wonderful couple on deck if I needed help but again I didn’t want them to go out in a snow storm. Yes, I probably should had help but it all worked out!

Avoiding screens is extremely hard. I shouldn’t be writing this post right now since it is on a computer screen but I am going crazy doing nothing but listening to podcasts and audio books.

I could do without television. I love myself some Real Housewives but I could live without them. I have not watch TV in over a week and I have not missed it a bit. Well maybe I might have to still watch Girlfriends Guide to Divorce…

Driving is so much harder than I remember. I took for granted driving. I had no idea how hard it was to do. Before I used to listen to the radio, maybe talk on the phone (I used Bluetooth), look at the sites, and God knows what else. Now, I drive with both hands on the wheel with no radio or phone. In fact, I have decided not to drive until I am cleared for activity (running, boxing, swimming, etc.)

I don’t do well doing nothing. Again, I knew this before but it has been confirmed and reconfirmed. I have to be busy and very busy. I enjoy working, blogging, training, being a fiance and dog mom, and all the other things I do.

I need to make time for more down time. As much as I like being very busy, I realize that it is good for me to have a break here and there. I don’t want as much down time as I have recently but a little down time would be good.

I had no idea how much my brain does. Let’s me be honest, I knew my brain was an important organ I just didn’t know how much I used it. It is really scary how much a bump on the head can impact your thought process, your ability to communicate, and just concentrate. I am sure it will all come back, it will just take some time.

Even with all the setbacks, I will reach my goals. There have been setbacks but I know that I will achieve the goals. I may have to adjust them but I will get there!

Having a concussion is not fun but I have learned a lot. Now it is time to follow the doctors orders and rest my brain.

While I am resting my brain I need some new podcasts or audio books. Do you have any podcasts you love? How about good audio books?

Related

Comments

I think I told you yesterday, no more computer! I’m super naggy that way. I like the way you are looking at this as things you’ve learned. Not that you’d ever want another concussion – ever- but its cool that you are discovering things along your rehab trail. Keep trying to enjoy your downtime. Sorry you failed your re-test but you just need to keep on caring for your noggin for a while longer. You’ll be up and running, literally, in NO time! Take care.

No, I shouldn’t have written the post or should be responding to comments right now. However, for my sanity I need to connect with the outside world every now and again. I keep the time short and try to stop before the headaches start. Thank you!

I hate that you’re having to go through a concussion but it sounds like you’re truly making the best of it and have been learning so much! I’m learning a ton through you! I can’t imagine trying to live without screens!!!

Ugh, being forced to take a break can suck but it’s so important! I need to work on listening to my body more although I haven’t had a concussion or anything! Love the “strong willed” one. I always describe myself as stubborn, that’s a nice way to put it, haha! I even drove myself to the hospital after my water broke- I wasn’t in much pain!

I’m glad you have great family support around you! You know, I don’t even have a concussion and I have to agree there just isn’t much great stuff on TV to hold my interest I can go days without it and not feel like I am missing anything either! Hope you can heal up soon, and pass your next check up!

I have realized in this time how much mindless TV I watch and what a time suck it was. I have decided to cut many of my “must watch” shows out. I can find way better things to do with my time. Yet, another less from my concussion.

Oh gosh…..I didn’t know about your concussion (my bad). Wow. It sounds like your attitude is good, and you are being sensible about your “limits” at the moment. Take care!!!! (BTW, you’re not missing much from abstaining from TV. I don’t watch it much anymore….although I do listen to it a lot, like when The Voice is on or Modern Family LOL).

I may start listening to TV for the time-being as I need something to entertain me. However, I do know that when I do get to return to TV I will not watch as much as I used to. I have found that I don’t miss it and what I was watching was just a waste of time.

How scary. I had no idea that you shouldn’t watch tv or look at electronic screens after a concussion. I love a good audiobook and podcast but I really love TV. I can go without it but I really miss it after a while. It’s great that you are being positive about all of this. Hope you get a clean bill of health soon.

Your comment about not knowing how much your brain does stuck with me. It’s so true but we totally take it for granted. I hope you find something new about your that you didn’t know before. Like some new hobby – learning how to knit or something like that. I don’t know if I could manage no tv. Yikes. More power to you!!! Heal quick

Hello! My name is Missy, and I am the blogger behind Getting Fit to Find Myself. I live in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) with my fiancé, Justin, and my dog, Baylee. This blog came out of a want, I wanted a place to talk about how my fitness and weight loss journeys have helped shape who I am today. Read More…